Luke Horace Guttridge (born 27 March 1982) is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He previously played for Torquay United, Cambridge United, Southend United, Leyton Orient, Colchester United, Northampton Town, Aldershot Town, Luton Town and Dagenham & Redbridge. He amassed more than 400 appearances in the Football League. Career Torquay United Born in Barnstaple, Devon, Guttridge began his career as a trainee with Torquay United after playing junior football for Paignton Pilgrims. He made his league debut whilst still a trainee as a late substitute, replacing Alex Watson in the 4–0 win against Mansfield Town on 10 April 2000. In May 2000, against the advice for a longer contract offer given by youth coaches Paul Compton and Richard Hancox, Guttridge was only offered a three-month professional contract by Torquay manager Wes Saunders, even though Cambridge United had offered him a one-year deal and the chance to play Second Division football. Cambridge United Unsurprisingly, Guttridge left for Cambridge, managed by Roy McFarland, on a free transfer. He had to wait until the following spring for his Cambridge league debut, after playing twice in the Football League Trophy, but when it came he scored within two minutes in a vital 2–0 home win against Oldham Athletic. In August 2001, McFarland, by now manager of Torquay, made a bid to bring Guttridge back to Plainmoor, but this was rejected and he remained at the Abbey Stadium. In April 2004, Guttridge went on trial with Premier League club Charlton Athletic and trained with them during this time. However, a move failed to materialise and he returned to Cambridge. Ahead of the 2004–05 season, Guttridge was selected as club captain. Southend United Guttridge signed a three-year contract with Southend United in March 2005 for an undisclosed fee plus add-ons. After a slow start, he firmly established himself in the first-team and was given the opportunity to move into the role of a central midfielder from his usual wide midfielder role following a meeting with manager Steve Tilson. This proved to be a turning point and Guttridge was a major factor in helping Southend secure the 2005–06 League One title after a 1–0 home win over Bristol City on the final day of the season. Leyton Orient Guttridge lost his place in the Southend first-team following their promotion and subsequently joined Leyton Orient on loan until 1 January 2007. He scored his